Victoria (Vicki) Ell of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan passed away on October 15, 2023, at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital after a long and busy life. She was 93.
Vicki was predeceased by her husband Nick Ell, daughter Barbara, father Walter Bank, Mother Francis Bank, stepmother Rosa (Bank) Langelier, siblings Stanley Bank, Joe Bank, Florence Bank, Josephine (Gabriel) Burkhart, Frank Bank; and Veronica (Gus) Berjian.
Vicki is survived by her son Wayne (Darcy) Ell, granddaughter Kiel (Desiree) Ell and great grandson Damien, daughter Cheryl (Bob) Herbert, granddaughters Madison (Logan) Hughes and Mikaela (newly engaged to Rylan Gallant), son Darrell (Kelly) Ell, granddaughter Stephanie and grandson Ryan. Also surviving are siblings Allan (Ethel) Bank; stepbrother Gabe (Denise) Bank, Bernie (Leanne) Bank, Andrew Bank, stepsister Joan Konechny; numerous nieces, and nephews.
Vicki was born December 9, 1929, and raised on the family farm near Glenavon. Life was difficult growing up in the 30’s when money was scarce and adult sized farm work for children was plentiful. She was 7 years old when her mother died, leaving her and her siblings taking on more than their share of adult tasks.
Vicki worked for a short period at a print shop in Edmonton after finishing her schooling. She met Nick Ell at church in Regina and after a short courtship they married November 19, 1956. They settled in Holdfast, Sask. where they owned the locker plant and where Wayne was born in 1957.
In 1960 they sold the locker plant, electrification of prairie towns made locker plants much less profitable. They lived in Regina and Prince Albert between 1960 and 1966 where Barbara, Cheryl and Darrell were born. Nick and Vicki were active bowlers in their free time. In 1966 they moved to Moose Jaw; Nick worked as a meat grader for the government in all these locations.
Vicki took part time work as a seamstress at a high-end men’s wear store and then at Sears. She worked as a seamstress until well into her 80’s, custom tailoring wedding gowns and the most complex of projects. She was fiercely independent to say the least. She was a legendary cook, making the worlds best cinnamon buns and the most delicious home cooked banquets. A true fan of the Blue Jays and the Riders, also a golf nut (hello Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy).
Vicki strongly supported the Moose Jaw Casino, especially the buffalo machine. She was also gifted at bingo, winning a great deal more than her share.
Vicki travelled to Calgary, Red Deer and Vancouver to see her grandchildren until travel was no longer possible. She loved the time spent with the little ones.
Vicki received exceptional care from the Moose Jaw and Swift Current hospitals including Dr. Marx and Dr. Ramadan.
A special mention to the management and staff at West Park Crossing care home who went above and beyond in the level of care and kindness. A special thank you to Marita, Maida and Florie from West Park who stayed with Vicki on their own time when Vicki passed and while family was enroute.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 1064 3 Ave NW, Moose Jaw, on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 11a.m. The mass will be followed by a lunch and social at the church then interment at Rosedale Cemetery in Moose Jaw. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
In living memory of Victoria, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Chrystine Dacey
